Everest snags Chubb leaders in international expansion drive

Everest Insurance, the insurance unit of Bermuda-based Everest Group, has made a series of key leadership appointments, including an insurance veteran from Chubb, as it looks to accelerate its international expansion drive.

Everest Insurance International has hired Véronique Brionne (pictured bottom) as insurance head of Europe, based in Paris, and a second Chubb executive, Martyn Benson (pictured up), as head of operations, based in London.

Both will report to Adam Clifford, co-lead of Everest Insurance International and will serve as members of the division’s international leadership group.

Brionne, who will join on September 28, is expected to drive the ongoing growth of the company’s insurance offering in Continental Europe. She was most recently deputy managing director for Chubb European Group SE and served as country president for its operations in France. Additionally, she was director of accident & health, continental Europe, and prior to that she served as country president for operations in Spain and Portugal. Before that, she held roles of increasing responsibility at AXA, including international actuarial analyst and P&C program director of the Northern, Central and Eastern Europe region.

“Véronique is an outstanding addition to our senior team and growing business throughout Europe,” said Clifford. “She brings significant experience working across international markets and business lines with an exceptional track record for driving high-performing, diverse teams. Véronique shares our excitement in the opportunity to bring world-class service and capabilities that enhance business and bridge gaps in the market.”

Benson is tasked with overseeing the company’s insurance operations across all regions of its international business including underwriting processes, policyholder servicing and portfolio and project management. He recently served as chief operations officer for consumer lines EMEA at Chubb, as well as the company’s head of operations for Asia Pacific. He previously spent nearly a decade at WTW including roles as chief operating officer of Asia Pacific, global wealth solutions and Europe.

“Martyn brings significant international operations expertise spanning multiple jurisdictions and a strong network of longstanding, trusted relationships,” said Clifford. “His deep industry acumen and diverse skillset will benefit Everest as we continue to bring our best-in-class insurance offering to more clients around the world.”

The company also announced Swee Keong Mah has been promoted to interim regional head of Insurance, Asia, replacing Ben Carey, effective immediately. Mah joined Everest in early 2022 as head of legal, Asia Pacific. He played a pivotal role establishing the division’s Singapore operations, serving as a member of the division’s Asia Pacific leadership team.

Prior to Everest, he served in various general counsel roles including head of legal, risk & compliance for Asia and Middle East at Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance.

Clifford said: “We are grateful for Ben’s leadership and guidance through the launch of our primary insurance business in Singapore and wish him great success in his future endeavours.

“I look forward to working with Ben in the transition of his responsibilities. We welcome Swee Keong, whose deep roots and commitment to the Singapore market position him well to lead our expanding team and client relationships across the region.”

In addition to his interim role, Mah will retain his position as head of legal, Asia Pacific.

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